DoD News

News Article

Rescued American Heading Home from Iraq

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2005  An American citizen who was kidnapped Nov. 1 in Iraq and rescued by coalition forces Sept. 7 left Iraq for the United States today aboard a military transport plane.

Roy Hallums flew from Balad Air Base aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17.

Hallums expressed his gratitude in a written statement:

"I would like to thank all of those dedicated personnel who have worked on my case that eventually led to my release on Sept. 7, 2005. Their continuous efforts were invaluable to the entire process. I would also like to give credit to my family who never gave up hope that I would be eventually released and return home to them. Their contact with various government agencies and the press helped keep the efforts to rescue me moving forward. I also appreciate those of you in the press who covered my story. Since I just returned I request that I be allowed a period of time to adjust to my new environment before dealing directly with the press. Again, I would like to thank everyone involved in my rescue and I look forward to enjoying my freedom again."

In other news from Iraq, Iraqi army personnel detained seven terrorists during cordon-and-search operations Sept. 8 in Ganus. Troops from the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, seized the insurgents in spite of coming under small-arms and indirect fire, officials said.

Elements of the 1st Iraqi Intervention Force detained three suspected terrorists and assorted items of interest during a reconnaissance operation Sept. 8 near Dawr. Troops detained one man and confiscated about 100 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 28 AK-47 magazines, a mortar tube sight, a U.S. desert camouflage uniform top, and pieces of a mortar round. The two other men were collared when they tried to flee a traffic control point.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Intervention Force, and coalition personnel detained three men Sept. 8 in Karmah while conducting a dismounted patrol. The men were detained for suspicious activity. A search of their vehicle produced two propane tanks, a black ski mask and some electrical equipment. The suspects were taken into custody for further questioning.

U.S. Air Force F-16s provided close air support to coalition troops in contact with enemy forces near Hit. The F-16s destroyed an enemy mortar position using a laser-guided bomb.

U.S. Air Force F-16s and U.S. Navy F/A-18s provided close air support to coalition troops near Al Majarr Al Kabir, Qayyarah, Rawah, and Tuz Khurmatu.

Eight U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. U.S. Air Force and British Royal Air Force fighter aircraft also performed in a non-traditional ISR role with their electro-optical and infrared sensors, officials said.